How to Replace the Inverter Coolant Pump

Where were you located at that time? I can definately notice the ICE shut down faster. I have measured 30 deg F coolant temp raised by the CHS. At near freezing, the effect is more pronounced.

 

So it doesn't get too cold right?

 

Patrick, I worry I might be on a trip when it fails and then it may leak. Also, it's getting noisy, but on the other hand it's only on for 20 sec or so...

It does get cold at times here in Maryland, Hard to tell if it helps or not. Any studies on this?

Thanks, Greg

 

Looking at the manual, it looks like the pump is built into the Coolant Heat Storage Tank unit. Maybe just disconnect the pump power?

 

I'll have to see if I have any document on the Gen2 CHS system.

Here is the info on the new system they have in Gen3 Prius and Lexus RX450h.

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...in-new-rx-450h-most-likely-in-2010-prius.html

 

I got the manuals here:

http://www.selidori.com/tech/prius/DOC/Tech2004/

I stopped by the local dealer and the pump is separate from the canister, $163.
Is there a cheaper place to buy it?

The inverter pump is ~$150, $91 online at Part Detail

I have not had any problems with the car so I have just been doing maintenance.

I would like to replace both pumps.

Thanks, Greg

 

Looks like Toyota will be doing it:

Toyota fixing coolant pump in Prius globally

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Patrick, thanks for the instructions.
If I connected a tube from the bleeder nipple and placed it into the coolant tank, could I run the IG-ON without periodic breaks until no more bubbling is heard ?

Dumb question perhaps, since I do not understand the need to cycle the IG-ON.

 

OK. I did the work today (even though Toyota will do it for free). I had already bought the pump to have it on hand, so I just had to buy the plug gasket to have all the parts.

Some observations (if you're going to do it yourself).

1) It's a pretty tight fit - even if you use the Toyota instructions.
2) The most difficult part was getting the hoses off of the old pump. I did this by unclipping the hoses, unbolting the old pump from its mounting plate, and pulling the hoses and the pump out so I could get some leverage.
3) The second most difficult part was getting the hoses and the hose clamps back into place. KY jelly for putting the hoses back on helped.
4) Bleeding was no big deal - 18" of 1/4" clear tubing on the bleeding nipple and into the tank. Open the nipple, let it run until no bubbles. Make sure you keep the tank level full while bleeding. Done.
5) Y'all don't have to worry about critters drinking the coolant - it's got a bitterant added - Yuk! (got a drop splashed into my mouth).

 

I'll second the observation that pulling the hoses off is a real pain. I think they have to be rotated back and forth to break the seal while pulling. The top hose actually came off easy once I disconnected from the other side that connects to the coolant container and brought the hose out. The side hose, otoh, almost drove me to distraction.

I also had to fight the electric connector. Like the hoses, I found it best to first undue the pump bracket so that I could turn the connector around.

 

After getting the notice from Toyota, I took my 2006 in to the dealer for inverter coolant pump replacement last week. They told me to bring it right down when I called, and were all through in about an hr or so. No charge, even though the car is out of warranty. They didn't try to sell me anything else either.

My only complaint was that the top of the engine was all splattered with coolant when I inspected it after I got back home. So...I took a rag and cleaned it off. Rather sloppy of the mechanic, I thought. Everything else seems to be fine.

Also, For some reason, I had to re-calibrate my Scan guage after they were through?? Now..why would that be??

 

I'm tempted to make a joke at this point . . . but I'll relent

The dealer did mine on Thursday / Friday . . . along with the nonsense gas pedal issue recall. Toyota paid for a Gen III (I had to pay an extra $5 for the 'upgrade' from a corola) for me to drive around in for the day - while they did the work. So ... it was a VERY good day.
New coolant - NO charge
New pump - no charge
Gen III - $5
Nice! Life is good.

On a side note observation. It's ironic that when Patrick started this thread back in the ancient times, he noted numerous pump failures, and suggested it be changed at an early interval. Now, here we are.
.

 

Yeah yeah yeah.

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Seriously though, I've found that KY works really well when you're trying to get rubber hoses back on for cooling systems. It's water soluble, doesn't attack things made of rubber, and there's no problem with it in coolant. A little dab on the inside of the rubber hose and it will slide right on. I think it's a neat trick!
[humor]

I now return you to your regularly scheduled chat.

 

Don't forget to get your Reimbursement for Toyota. Good Reading
Comment on the Tip for the Hose: Now I have an excuse to keep some KY in the glove compartment.